Store mp3 files on an iPad?

[MacMama]

I've really had it with Windows messing with my music, especially the tags, but I don't want another laptop. I use iCloud for my iphone and laptop (which I can't wait to dump-the laptop, not the iphone) but I need to be able to store the actual files where they will be safe from constant updates, etc. I will be buying an iPad2 next week. Can I store my mp3 files on it and back them up to an external device? I have about 20G worth.